Dear Christopher Cat

Cleopatra, my one-year-old cat, chews on everything: carpet fringe, clothing, blankets, plastic wrappers and paper. She even chewed the leg off her favorite cat toy. How can I stop her from destroying things?

Christopher Responds

Chewing is a common problem in cats, particularly among the oriental breeds.

To discourage it, offer Cleopatra entertaining chew toys, and rotate them so she has new ones daily.

My favorites are dog chew toys, catnip toys and dancer toys that hang from doorknobs. I also like boxes and crinkle tunnels.

Other cats in my family enjoy toys that dispense treats when they bat them around the floor.

Play interactive games, like chase the laser beam, to tire her.

Consider adopting an additional cat, so Cleopatra will play with her buddy instead of your possessions.